19 recommended tools for church social media and website managers

As always, we love to hear your recommendations! Tweet us @churchofengland and let us know what apps and tools you would recommend to other churches.

1. Google Analytics

If you have Google Analytics installed on your website, the mobile app provides a great way to access data quickly with an easy-to-use interface. We recommend using Google Analytics on your website to monitor who is accessing your content and how people are engaging with it. 

Download:
Google play
App store

Learn more about Google analytics in free online courses at Analytics Academy.

2. Mailchimp

If you're using Mailchimp to send emails out to your church, their app provides a really useful way to get summarised data surrounding your Campaigns and Audiences. Whilst we wouldn't recommend it for creating Campaigns, it's great as a follow-up tool once they've been sent.

Download:
Google play
App store

Discover how to use Mailchimp for your church email communications here.

3. Freshping

Whilst not technically an app for Android or iOS, Freshping is an online tool that you can use to monitor your websites for downtime. If you want to be the first to know of any issues affecting your websites, sign up for a free account and get notifications set up so that you won't find out about downtime through other people finding your website is offline.

Take a look here.

Recommended by Ben Hollebon, Web and Insights Manager

4. Airtable

Spreadsheets galore! Airtable has advanced the spreadsheet game and is vital in my role. I rely on Airtable to plan, note and organise everything - you can alter the view from grid to the calendar which comes in very handy. Available as an app and through your browser.

Download:
Google play
App store

5. Quicc.io

Technically not an app, but a great resource for video producers on the go. Quicc.io allows you to quickly get subtitles for your videos, either burnt-in or as a separate file. With an accuracy of over 90%, this is a really handy tool to create accessible Instagram Stories or IGTV content.

Find Quicc.io here

Recommended by Iso Neville, Social Media Officer

6. Canva

Whether you are cropping photos for social media or websites, or, creating graphics to share online and in print, Canva offers all the features you need. You'll find the free account versatile enough for your needs, however, if you are a registered charity, apply for a Free Pro account, to make use of the additional features such as creating Gifs and the magic resize.

Download:
Google play
App store

7. Bitly

Bitly is a URL shortener that helps take longer URLs and transform them into manageable links that almost never exceed 20 characters. Ideal for sharing links on Twitter when every character counts!

Download:
Google play
App store

8. Dropbox

Bring all your files and photos together and stay organised with this online storage app. Easily share folders with others, and sync your files across devices.

Download:
Google play
App store

Dropbox is GDPR compliant, read more on their website, here.

Recommended by Adrian Harris, Head of Digital

9. Cut story

Choose, cut and merge videos, add templates, and choose your soundtrack. This app is ideal for creating engaging videos from your phone for Instagram and Facebook stories, and it's one I always have on my phone.

Download:
App store

10. VSCO

This photography app allows you to upload, edit and add filters to enhance your photos. The advanced editing features are easy to use and an essential app for Instagram users. 

Download:
Google play
App store

11. StoryArt

Another app for Instagram users! With 1000+ templates, StoryArt enables you to make collages that will bring a unique style to your Instagram and Facebook stories.

Download:
Google play
App store

Recommended by Liz Morgan, Church Digital Champion

12. Pantone Studio

If you are crazy for colour and you want to explore a universe of colour, look no further than Pantone Studio. This vital app for designers gives you the ability to generate harmonious colour palettes and match hues by extracting colour from imagery. However, if you are just a fan of black and white, this app is not for you...

Download
App Store

13. Assembly

Need to create graphics and vectors on the go? Assembly allows your fingers to create impressive artwork with ease. What makes it so great is the large library of vector shapes, saving you time by already having shapes drawn for you

Download
App Store

Recommended by Sam Poch, Content Creator

14. Church Metrics

Church Metrics is a free tool from Life.Church that is used for understanding your church data. This powerful app can help you track attendance, decisions, giving, and volunteers.

Download
Google Play
App Store

15. SoundCloud

Use SoundCloud to upload sermons and audio, that can then be linked through to your website. Learn how to embed SoundCloud on your website, here.

Download:
Google play
App store

Recommended by Alex Norris, Digital Officer for A Church Near You

16. Slack

An easy way to send messages, links, documents or the occasional gif within a team or to individuals. Keeps everyone up to date day-to-day, on projects or any channels you decide to create. Once set up, you'll find your team will send fewer emails and easily keep track of conversations. Also perfect for online calls.

Download:
Google Play
App Store

17. #LiveLent

Our #LiveLent apps provide daily readings, reflections and actions. Every day you'll find both family and solo actions challenging you to further care for our beautiful world, God's incredible creation. 

Download:
Google Play
App Store

Recommended by Jenny Wilkins, Web and Analytics Officer 

18. Voice Memos/ Voice Recorder

You'd be surprised by the audio quality your phone microphone can produce. Two apps are specified but any audio recording app would suffice. Just make sure to leave about a hand span between your mouth and the microphone and, if you can, do not hold the phone while recording but place it on a lectern or even a pile of books facing your mouth. Or place the phone in the middle of your Church hall to capture both the content and atmosphere of a sermon.

Download
Google Play
App Store

19. Auphonic

Auphonic is a free audio processor that can improve the quality of your sound recordings. Use the Adaptive Leveler to smooth out a recording that varies a lot in volume, and the Loudness tool to bring the overall level up similar to that of commercial productions. You can also reduce the MP3 quality if you need a smaller file size.

Download
Google Play
App Store

Recommended by James Newhook, Audio Producer